Vacation in Bejing?

Okay...so the more I hear about these Olympics, the more I think I will not be vacationing in Bejing. Between human rights atrocities, ridiculous pollution, and the lack of any free press (i.e. free speech), it just sounds like a treat. But this is my favorite article yet! Take a look!

You may have heard about this already, but the Beijing Catering Trade Association has ordered "all 112 designated Olympic restaurants" from serving dog for the duration of this month's Games, in deference to Western sensibilities.

And by "serving dog," I do not mean "showing dog to table and taking dog's order." I mean serving dog.

According to an op-ed piece in today's New York Times, it's just as well: Dog is really more of a winter dish anyway:

According to Chinese folk dietetics, which classify every food according to its heating and cooling properties, dog is one of the “hottest” meats around, best eaten in midwinter, when you need warmth and vital energy, not in sultry August.

Kind of gives a whole new meaning to the question "What kind of dog should I get?"

The piece also notes that waiters have been asked to "'patiently' suggest alternative dishes to customers who ask for dog."

For instance:

"Mmmm... We're fresh out of German shepherd. Perhaps some schnitzel instead?"
"Sorry, no English bulldog today. May I suggest steak and kidney pie?"
"There is one change to the menu today: Instead of Chihuahua, we're offering a nice enchilada platter."
"Instead of wiener dog, may I interest you in a wiener?"
Actually, that last one may not translate so well.

What do you say, readers? Eating dog meat: Hot or not? Cultural difference or fundamental no-no? Boiled or grilled?